Microsoft has signed separate agreements with BP and Shell to collaborate on furthering digital transformation in energy systems and advancing the net zero carbon goals of all three companies.
Microsoft has signed separate agreements with BP and Shell to collaborate on furthering digital transformation in energy systems and advancing the net zero carbon goals of all three companies.
The deal with BP focuses on the continued use of Microsoft Azure as a cloud-based solution to enable BP to access cloud services, including machine learning with Azure Digital Twins and data analytics. In return BP will supply renewable energy to Microsoft across multiple countries to meet its 2025 renewable energy goals.
Earlier this year, BP announced its ambition to become a net zero emissions company by 2050 or sooner. By the end of the decade, it aims to have developed around 50 gigawatts of net renewable generating capacity (a 20-fold increase), increased annual low carbon investment tenfold to around $5 billion and cut oil and gas production by 40%. In January 2020, Microsoft announced its goal to be carbon negative by 2030.
The collaboration will focus on helping cities achieve their sustainability aims; co-development of clean energy parks with an ecosystem of low carbon technologies such as carbon capture use and storage (CCUS); harnessing data-driven, personalized, actionable insights to empower energy consumers to better manage their home energy use; and enhancing BP’s production and operations facilities.
Meanwhile, Shell and Microsoft have also formed a strategic alliance to support progress towards net-zero emissions.
As part of the deal, Shell will supply Microsoft with renewable energy, helping Microsoft to meet its commitment to having a 100% supply of renewable energy by 2025.
The two companies will continue working together on artificial intelligence (AI), which has already improved Shell’s access to real-time data insights, delivering efficiencies that have helped to reduce Shell’s carbon emissions.
Shell and Microsoft will work together on new digital tools so Shell can offer its suppliers and customers effective support in reducing their carbon footprints.
They have been working together on AI for three years. This year, 47 AI-powered proprietary applications have been deployed across Shell’s businesses. Technologies such as Real-Time Production Optimization have already shown potential to reduce CO2 emissions in Shell’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations, the company said.
